Shaq Up in Beantown – Ex-Laker Shaquille O’Neal opts for Celtics

It was only a matter of time before the Big Aristotle became “the Big Shaqrecaun”. Okay maybe that nickname needs work, but the point is Shaquille O’Neal is officially part of the Boston Celtics and it feels weird and kind of creepy if you’re a Lakers fan. Before signing, Shaq had failed to land mid-level exception offers from Atlanta, Dallas and even teams in Europe (can you say desperate?). After the Cavs said thanks but no thanks to re-signing the Big Fella, Shaq realized there weren’t many options left.

Boston Market

Enter Boston, a team in the market for size after the starting center Kendrick Perkins severely injured his knee in the 2010 NBA Finals. Shaq reportedly signed a 2-year deal for the veteran’s minimum totaling $2.8 million. Ouch, major hit to the ego (not to mention the pocket book). The Celtics have now reloaded their frontcourt with the addition of Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal and should give the Miami Heat fits down low come playoff time. NBA fans, are you feeling a Lakers-Heat or Lakers-Celtics 2011 NBA Finals?

Shaq hopes to be a 4 ring clover for the Celtics this year in Beantown. Speaking of beans, that's still 1 ring behind Kobe Bean Bryant.

Shaq Bench Press

The Celtics pressed Shaq to come off the bench before they agreed to sign him. All indications point to Shaq being okay with this, but you just know he’s licking his chops waiting for starting center Jermaine O’Neal to get injured. Yes, a literal Shaq attack! Which brings me to my next point: Boston now has two O’Neals. There are only two O’Neals in the entire NBA and they both play for Boston now. This means Shaq’s jersey is going to have S. O’Neal on the back rather than just O’Neal. Another hit to the ego!

O’Neals are Ol’ Neals

Regardless of who gets more minutes, both O’Neals are old and injury-prone and neither is explosive anymore. Jermaine will begin the year as the starter after averaging 13.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season in Miami. The Celtics can expect similar or slightly better numbers from him while knowing he can get injured at any moment. No stranger to injury himself, the other other O’Neal (that’s right Shaq has fallen that far) will have to prove to the Boston faithful that he still has something left in the tank.